Monthly Archives: March 2014

Welcome back SUNY New Paltz! With the arrival of Spring, changes are in the air! With the snow melting (finally) and trees beginning to bloom, the outdoors is sure to call! With that comes a new construction season as well, so please read the following for your safety.

As you may be aware, construction of the College’s new science building is just about to begin. This necessitated the closing of the following parking lots during your spring break:

• Lot # 18, at the intersection of Plattekill Avenue and South Manheim Boulevard.
• Lot # 19, just adjacent to lot #18 and behind Shango hall.
• Lot # 29, just adjacent to lot #18 and to its rear.

In preparation for these closings, the College recently expanded Lot # 28, which is on the east side of State Route 32 just across the street from the College to accommodate these lost spots. Keeping this in mind, the University Police Department (UPD) asks that you use caution when crossing State Route 32 on your way to the campus.

UPD will increase traffic patrols and enforcement in the area to remind both pedestrians and motorists to stay alert, be aware and follow the rules of the road. Also, the College has added an additional pedestrian crosswalk sign in the area of Lot #28 to remind drivers of their responsibilities. These crosswalk reminder signs complement the College’s electronic traffic safety trailer that flashes safety messages to passing drivers 24 hours a day.

Please read through the following frequently asked questions to better understand the responsibilities of both pedestrians and motorists:

Which traffic laws apply to pedestrians?
Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, signs and pavement markings when they are crossing a street [Section 1150, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

What is the law regarding crosswalks?
When there is no traffic control signal, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, particularly if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, or there is potential danger to the pedestrian [Section 1151, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

In addition, every driver approaching an intersection or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian accompanied by a guide dog or a cane [Section 1153-c, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

What if there isn’t a crosswalk?
If there isn’t a crosswalk, sign or signal at mid-block locations, a pedestrian must yield to the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway [Section 1152, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

What about sidewalks?
The driver of a vehicle, when entering or exiting from an alleyway, building, private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk [Section 1151-a, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where they are provided and safe to use. When sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian is required to walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic [Section 1156-b, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

The Title IX page has been updated with the new Non-Discrimination/Non Harassment Policy and Reporting Procedures. This update represents one of many efforts in our continuous work to support a culture of respect, inclusion and reporting. Students and Employees are encouraged to visit the site and review the new policy at http://www.newpaltz.edu/titleix/.